US Bridges

Pleasant Valley over Bear Creek

FairPosted for load

Story County, Iowa · 084230505 · Structure no. 000000000315260

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
48 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
45
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pleasant Valley over Bear Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pleasant Valley over Bear Creek in Story County, Iowa. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 125 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 45 vehicles a day, projected to reach 45 by 2043. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 19 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesPleasant Valley
CrossesBear Creek
Location084230505
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyStory County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.11555, -93.55992
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Operating rating34.9 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.8 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45 (2022)
Projected traffic45 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pleasant Valley over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is Pleasant Valley over Bear Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in December 2022.

How much traffic does Pleasant Valley over Bear Creek carry?

About 45 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Pleasant Valley over Bear Creek?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns Pleasant Valley over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.